We are proud to be part of the Rhode Island community! Follow our blog for the latest news and occasional commentary about what’s happening at the Foundation and around our great state.

2016 is an important year for the Foundation, 100 years since our founding.

The first community foundation was established in Cleveland by Frederick Goff in 1914. Goff wanted to make philanthropy available to everyday Clevelanders and build community capital that would be available to address the needs of the day. These are the core principles of the community foundation, and I continue to find them both important and inspiring.

Over the next twelve months, we look forward to commemorating this milestone with you, our partners. Already we have launched a $10 million campaign to preserve and enhance Roger Williams Park, one of Rhode Island’s most treasured public spaces. And we’re accepting applications until February 12 for our Centennial Community Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 for community-making projects throughout the state. In addition to these investments, we look forward to rolling out more activities and conversations throughout the year and hosting our annual meeting on June 13, our actual anniversary. You can stay connected with us at 100.rifoundation.org.

It is an honor – personally and professionally – to lead the Foundation during such an important time. Our board and staff recognize every day that our work would not be possible but for the visionaries who came before us, the donors who invest in Rhode Island, and the community leaders who do the important and hard work that makes Rhode Island better.

On behalf of the Foundation’s board and staff, thank you for making our community special and for all you have done for Rhode Island.

Featured Post

Meeting need in the town squarePosted last yearWe are pleased to share that we will be investing more than $350,000 in three proven programs that are already making a difference in the lives of those in need downtown.

The MacColl Johnson Fellowships: Celebrating Ten YearsPosted 3 years agoWith the rapidly approaching announcement of the winners of this year’s MacColl Johnson Fellowships – now in its 10th year - we talk with six of the 27 composers, writers and visual artists who have been awarded the fellowships over the past decade. Hear what they have to say about its impact on their work and careers.